Cheesehead TV - James Starkshttp://cheeseheadtv.com/tag/james-starks
enPackers Coaches Still Focusing on Getting Michael Involvedhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-still-focusing-on-getting-michael-involved
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>In games where the snow is falling, the sideline heaters are at full blast and traction on the field is spotty, most teams over time have turned to the ground game as an efficient means of moving the ball.</p>
<p>Not the 2016 Green Bay Packers.</p>
<p>The Packers' rushing game has been flirting with stagnancy for over a year now. Starting tailback Eddie Lacy fending off reoccurring injuries (and the highly-publicized diet transition) doesn't help. The week three win against the Lions was the last time the Packers had a rusher go over 100 yards, and before that, week 14 against the visiting Cowboys - <em>last season. </em></p>
<p>Since that game against the Lions in present year, the Packers have averaged 98.6 rushing yards per game. 98.6? At first glance at a box score, you'd think the Packers would be one of the top rushing teams in the league. However, that's not the case.</p>
<p>That's because Aaron Rodgers has accounted for 35.4% of the Packers' rushing yardage since that game.</p>
<p>The ground game has come in spurts for the Packers, whether it be the short-tenured Knile Davis or Don Jackson being promoted from the practice squad. Nothing has helped appease those who are fans of old-school ground-and-pound football. Nevertheless, those same fans are still waiting to see a full-fledged audition from the newest running back to join the Green Bay backfield carousel.</p>
<p>Christine Michael has seen all but 10 carries in his first two games with his newest team, while head coach Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff still try to work him into multiple packages in an effort to get him on the field.</p>
<p>"We wanted to take a step with (Michael), " said McCarthy during his Monday presser. "He had some really tough looks there in the four-minute offense and I think his numbers reflect that."</p>
<p>Michael's numbers included nine touches for just 19 yards, averaging 2.1 yards per carry. It was the most work he had seen since week eight when he was a Seattle Seahawk, his former team and also the Packers' upcoming opponent.</p>
<p>"If we can get him some more open space-type runs, or where he isn't always running into an eight or a nine-man front. It's all part of the evaluation and the correction process." </p>
<p>Despite the success found with wide receiver Ty Montgomery being utilized out of the backfield in the running game, Michael became the third running back the Packers hit the market for this season after claiming Jhurell Pressley off of waivers from the Vikings and making a trade with the Chiefs for Davis. A subtle testament to the struggles they've faced at the position. </p>
<p>Michael was the team's leading ball-carrier on Sunday against the Texans, but nine carries are the floor with how much offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett wants to get him involved.</p>
<p>"Take it week-by-week," said Bennett. "Certainly from a preparation standpoint, he goes about it the right way. Each week, we'll have different packages and that obviously plays into it as well."</p>
<p>Michael has been praised about as much for his preparation as he has for his speed, and that's the missing piece to the Packers' offensive puzzle that they're waiting to see. Much like McCarthy made clear, the ideal way to incorporate Michael would be to allow him to bounce his runs to the outside into open space. While Starks repeatedly feeds his addiction of doing so (and makes fans want to pull their hair out), getting younger, more capable feet in that position would reap benefits for the Packers.</p>
<p>"He has quick feet, good balance, breaks tackles, he accelerates his feet on contact." Bennett echoed, almost as if he were watching 20-year old film of his glory days as Green Bay's leading rusher. "All of those fundamentals add up into breaking tackles and what you gain on your own, and he brings that to the table." </p>
<p>For as anaemic as the running game has been for the Packers this season, they're averaging 4.7 yards per carry when running outside of the tackles. With David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga quickly becoming one of the top tackle duos in the league, it's no secret as to why that's been the strong point.</p>
<p>The Packers are coming off their most balanced offensive game in terms of plays called since that aforementioned win against Detroit. Their 26 runs were their most when not eclipsing 60 total plays in a game since - you guessed it, week 3.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12313" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">NFC North</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/running-backs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">running backs</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/christine-michael" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christine Michael</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div>Tue, 06 Dec 2016 03:46:00 +0000Zachary Jacobson1575153 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-still-focusing-on-getting-michael-involved#commentsPackers Question of the day - Reflecting: Packers vs Bearshttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-question-of-the-day-reflecting-packers-vs-bears
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>It was a refreshing change of pace for the Packers, and after their offense began to click in the second half of a game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night, things began looking normal. Aaron Rodgers was gaining a rhythm en route to 56 pass attempts on the night and without Eddie Lacy or James Starks, Ty Montgomery was carrying the load at running back rather efficiently. </p>
<p>While the game wasn't perfect, there were many flaws from both teams. There's also the fact that it was the Bears and Brian Hoyer was knocked out of the game with an arm injury. But at the end of the night, a win is all that matters.</p>
<p>What were some of your big takeaways from the 26-10 win that earned the Packers their fourth on the season?</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12313" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">NFC North</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/offense" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Offense</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/defense" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Defense</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/special-teams" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Special Teams</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/aaron-rodgers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Aaron Rodgers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/ty-montgomery" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ty Montgomery</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/randall-cobb" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Randall Cobb</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/davante-adams" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Davante Adams</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div>Mon, 24 Oct 2016 14:00:00 +0000Zachary Jacobson1437050 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-question-of-the-day-reflecting-packers-vs-bears#commentsPackers Question of the day - Don Jackson Time?http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-question-of-the-day-don-jackson-time
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>With Eddie Lacy's status still up in the air with the ankle injury he suffered in Sunday night's win against the Giants and James Starks being the only available running back on the roster, should there be caution?</p>
<p>Better yet, should the Packers look Don Jackson's way and possibly promote him from the practice squad? In order to do so, their 55-player roster would need to be reduced by three players, as Jackson would be the 53rd active addition. It would also leave one open practice squad slot that currently stands at its maximum of 10 players. </p>
<p>With the returns of Mike Pennel and Demetri Goodson from suspension, some roster moves could be on the horizon. But should Jackson be one of them?</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12313" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">NFC North</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/offense" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Offense</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/running-backs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">running backs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/don-jackson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Don Jackson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div>Wed, 12 Oct 2016 14:00:00 +0000Zachary Jacobson1398919 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-question-of-the-day-don-jackson-time#commentsStarks has Always been able to Answer the Packers' callhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/starks-has-always-been-able-to-answer-the-packers-call
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div>
Shadows of doubt began looming in the form of clouds over Lincoln Financial Field in September 2010. At least not for the Philadelphia Eagles, who were opening their season with a contest at home against the visiting Green Bay Packers.</div>
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Then-starting running back Ryan Grant was looking to create the trifecta of one-thousand-yard rushing seasons. After seven touches, his eighth ultimately ended his hopes for the milestone. Several torn ligaments in his right ankle at the end of an 18-yard run left Grant hobbling not just to the sideline, but to injured reserve.</div>
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Not to say Brandon Jackson, who, at the time, had been with the team for three seasons already, couldn't shoulder the load in Grant's absence. However, turning to Jackson, newly-signed Dimitri Nance as a last resort and fullback John Kuhn to sustain the Packers' rushing attack was a tall task. But, as the season went on, they did just that. While the scenario was less than optimal, the trio combined for just under 1,100 yards. Still failing to eclipse the 1,200-plus mark set by Grant in the two seasons prior, aiming to "sustain" the running game was child's play. At least that's how the 10th-ranked offense made it look. Even with the juvenile Aaron Rodgers having his least productive season as a starter.</div>
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The Packers soon earned a playoff berth - a playoff berth that would mark the birth of another weapon at running back. The average success the ground game featured in 2010 masked the silhouette of James Starks, who had to wait until early December of that same year to see the field. When he did, he bolted onto the scene against the 49ers, rushing for 73 yards and even returning a couple of kick-offs. </div>
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The true skill set that Starks brought to the Packers' moderately one-dimensional offense wasn't seen until January. In Green Bay's first playoff game in Philadelphia - the same city in which the season began and the running back situation began to flounder, Starks shattered the Packers' rookie post-season record for rushing yards. Racking up 123, it was the first of four post-season games in which Starks would be the primary running back.</div>
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Starks' rookie campaign essentially ended with his aiding of hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy in Texas. Ever since, he's met expectations placed upon him with no lingering doubt left in the footsteps of neither him nor the Packers' coaching staff.</div>
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While the Niagara Falls native had a solidified spot on the Packers' roster, he never truly gained a starting role with the team. In the year following the Super win, Starks indeed out-gained the returning Grant by 19 yards and on one less touch. Nevertheless, Grant was deemed the starting running back for 14 games in comparison to Starks' two. </div>
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In 2012, he sat pretty in a carousel of a running game that rotated between five running backs due to injury. The team's top three rushers (not including Rodgers) were between Alex Green, the one-and-done Cedric Benson and Starks - all three of which combined for less than 1,000 yards. A fact that the 1998 Packers' rushing attack would beam proudly on. Rodgers followed up his first of two eventual MVP seasons with what could've been argued as a third. Much like the preceding year, the offense was riding the generational talent of Rodgers' arm.</div>
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From 2013 and on, Starks remained a beyond-viable no. 2 option behind Eddie Lacy, who the Packers drafted that same year. </div>
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Coming off one of his more productive seasons in which he was relied heavily on due to Lacy's struggles along with the offense as a whole, Starks continues to show why a sufficient back-up running back is still a necessity for any roster. Especially one with his ability to accelerate out of the backfield or off of a hand-off with a sharp, one-cut running style. Starks' 601 yards on the ground in 2015 is the most from a second-string Green Bay running back since Starks' 578 in 2011, which toppled the previous mark set by Dorsey Levens in 1996 with 566.</div>
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Starks has shown that he's more than capable to potentially be starting on another team somewhere. But after inking a fresh, two-year deal with the Packers in March, he's here to stay. $6 million says so, as does the trust the Packers and Starks have accumulated in their relationship over the last six years. Whether it be a Super Bowl champion from the 90s in Edgar Bennett coaching him up, or Jerry Fontenot who briefly served a role as the running backs coach before being swapped to monitoring tight ends and placing Alex Van Pelt in Starks' orbit. Consistency has always been a friend of Starks.</div>
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This season, however, has sung a different tune for him. At least so far.</div>
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He has more carries (11) than he does yards (10), as well as less opportunities in the screen passing game where he assembled 392 yards in 2015. He's received opportunities to push his carries outside the right tackle, where he's totaled a nauseating negative yard on four carries.</div>
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Starks has found most success on the opposite edge, turning the corner around the left tackle where he's gained seven of his 10 total yards through two games. A less than optimal stat, but more so telling to the lack of commitment to running the ball.</div>
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Well, maybe that's not entirely true. Lacy has more carries in the first two games than he has in the first two games of any season he's played in his career with more than 15 carries. </div>
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Finding success between the tandem of Lacy and Starks will bring positive changes to the offense, which has been downright repulsive in the opening pair of games. Starks, meanwhile, still needs to prove he was worth every bit of that $6 million-dollar investment.</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12313" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">NFC North</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/offense" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Offense</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/running-backs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">running backs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div>Sun, 25 Sep 2016 03:31:00 +0000Zachary Jacobson1343953 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/starks-has-always-been-able-to-answer-the-packers-call#commentsJohnathan Franklin: What Could've Beenhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/johnathan-franklin-what-couldve-been
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>First things first - I hope each and every one of Cheesehead TV's readers, writers and their families had an eventful and safe Independence Day. That means you as well, Jason Pierre-Paul.</p>
<p>Just a notch over two years ago, former Packers running back and UCLA star Johnathan Franklin was prepping for his own fourth of July with his friends and family. Only this time, unlike the gatherings in the past, it would be without football.</p>
<p>Franklin had provided a positive outlook for the future of the Packers' running game, despite his sluggish preaseason showing. Through the four affairs, Franklin tallied an abysmal 45 yards on 21 hand-offs. With Eddie Lacy and James Starks in the early stages of their partnership in the rushing attack, Franklin didn't see the backfield until a week three contest in Cincinnati.</p>
<p>Against Cincinnati, Franklin carried the rock 13 times for 103 yards and a touchdown with Lacy out of the lineup due to a concussion and Starks being forced to exit late in the first half with an injury of his own. At the time, not many could foresee the future with Lacy whom the Packers had selected in the second-round of the Draft. So with Franklin churning his way onto the scene, this provided hope. Especially for a team who hadn't had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2009. </p>
<p>Obviously, as the 2013 campaign went along, Lacy ended up breaking that four-year drought. </p>
<p>Alas, as Lacy's career had begun to flourish, another player's career hit a wall by the name of A.J. Jefferson.</p>
<p>On the opening kickoff return of a week 12 contest against the visiting Vikings, Franklin collided head-on with Jefferson and simultaneously fumbled in the process. It was the last time he would suit up for the Green and Gold and the last time he would play professional football. The Packers released him the following offseason.</p>
<blockquote><p>"It's never easy releasing a player, but it's especially difficult when a young man's opportunity is taken away from him because of an injury," said Packers general manager Ted Thompson. "Jonathan is a great person, a wonderful teammate, and a man that lives by his faith. The Packers are fortunate to have had the chance to work wtih him and we know that he will excel in whatever the future holds for him. He will always be a member of the Packers family."</p>
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<p>Just like that, all of the promise both on special teams and in the running game with Franklin had been wiped away in one fatal swoop. Had Franklin remained healthy, what role would he have played in the Packers' offense? Would he still even be on the roster? Unanswered questions that would require the useful tactic of assumption. </p>
<p>Between the thunderous running style of Lacy and the quick, one-cut manuevering of Starks, it's likely Franklin wouldn't have been too big of a factor for opposing sides to figure out. However, a third-down option with a running back whose versatility matches his elusiveness opens a variety of options on how to utilize him. </p>
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<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" src="https://vine.co/v/5aMEAKQzqvd/embed/simple" width="500"></iframe><script src="https://platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script></p>
<p>Many had compared both Franklin's style and body type to that of Darren Sproles, although Franklin would loom over him by four inches in the height department. The similarities in their playing styles were evident. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, much like Sterling Sharpe, Jermichael Finley, Nick Collins, Terrence Murphy, Johnny Holland and many more, Franklin fell victim to the plague that has seemed to haunt Packer standouts through the years - head, neck and spine injuries. Fans may never know what Franklin could've brought to the table or if the Packers whiffed on selecting him in the fourth round of the 2013 Draft. </p>
<p>Whether he would've been a menace on the field or not remains in question, but his passion for the game never deterred. Franklin went on to work in the team's front office to assist in business development and marketing sales before making the move to become the student welfare administrator at Notre Dame. Working behind the scenes is what the 26-year old has been limited to in life after football, but he doesn't exactly mind that.</p>
<p>He spoke to the <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/305722301.html">Journal Sentinel</a> just last year regarding his current outlook on his career and the path he's venturing down.</p>
<blockquote><p>"Absolutely love it. I have an opportunity to be in charge of 750 student-athletes, creating these outreach programs. And I just became the liason for five different teams and I have the opportunity to meet with the head coaches and develop captains and leaders amongst the teams... I'd love to make my way back to California down the road even if it's an opportunity in Green Bay being in the front office. I do have goals. I do have dreams. Playing in the NFL and my career ending so abruptly, I take things one day at a time."</p>
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<p>While Franklin remains at peace with himself in his new chapter of life, you'd almost have to bet he'd rather be out there helping the Packers bring home that slippery fifth Lombardi. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12313" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">NFC North</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/johnathan-franklin" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">johnathan franklin</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/running-backs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">running backs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/offense" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Offense</a></div></div></div>Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:00:00 +0000Zachary Jacobson1100907 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/johnathan-franklin-what-couldve-been#commentsGreen and Bold: Don't Sleep on John Crocketthttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/green-and-bold-dont-sleep-on-john-crockett
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>
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<p class="image" title=" John Crockett brings a change of style and pace to the Packers roster. "><img alt="John Crockett brings a change of style and pace to the Packers roster. " src="http://d1s25m6npd4nen.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/usatsi_8778469.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 911px;" /></p>
<p class="caption">John Crockett brings a change of style and pace to the Packers roster. </p>
</div>
<p>The Packers will undoubtedly be playing a numbers game with their 53-man roster; subtracting a player at one position means another position gets the depth it may need.</p>
<p>In terms of the running back position, it's a given that the team will keep at least halfbacks Eddie Lacy and James Starks and fullback Aaron Ripkowski on the final roster...but what about second-year player John Crockett?</p>
<p>Anyone who has followed me on Twitter since last offseason knows that I'm high on Crockett. I thought the team made a mistake in sending him to the practice squad at the end of the 2015 offseason, and was excited when it promoted him to the active roster in December 2015. </p>
<p>Now, Crockett played just 16 snaps in his rookie season. He hasn't produced much in the way of NFL film that lends itself to gushing. But he has all the tools to become a solid No. 2 running back for the Packers in the near future, and in his sophomore season, he will have the opportunity to prove that.</p>
<p>Back in the NFL combine, Crockett was a top performer among running back prospects in his draft class the vertical jump (40 inches) and the broad jump (125 inches) and ran a 4.62-second 40-yard dash.</p>
<p>At North Dakota State, he had three consecutive seasons of 1,000-plus rushing yards, setting school records his senior year for all-purpose yards (2,419), rushing yards (1,994) and rushing attempts (368).</p>
<p>Though he would land squarely at the No. 3 running back position on the depth chart if he makes the final roster this summer, Crockett doesn't offer more of the same as Lacy and Starks. His running style is different than the power-run style that both Lacy and Starks exhibit, making him a good change of pace on third downs. He's got a nice closing burst and can break away from defenders down the field. </p>
<p>Crockett will also try to make an impact on special teams to earn his roster spot. He didn't do much in the way of coverage at North Dakota State, and returned only a handful of kicks during his college career. Proving he can bring something to the table if he does get on the field will be important as he competes for a potential third halfback spot. </p>
<p>"You come back your second year and you want to contribute," Crockett said in June, <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/john-crockett-to-play-role-in-backfield-special-teams-b99751195z1-384623401.html">per Michael Cohen</a> of the <em>Journal Sentinel</em>. "You want to contribute when you're younger, but I think you've got to be realistic and understand you're not ready yet. Now, you're a little bit smarter and can stay in the scheme and just go out there and play freely. It is Year 2 and I feel like I should be ready to help this team."</p>
<p>Crockett made an impression on his team and coaching staff when he came into a game featuring lackluster running following the team's waiving Alonzo Harris and rushed five times for 22 yards in the second half. While those numbers aren't going to sway the outcome of a game, his energy was infectious. Mike McCarthy remarked at the time that Crockett gave the the team a spark, and depending on how Lacy looks following his physical transformation, the Packers may need Crockett on deck to do that again in 2016. </p>
<p>Another skill Crockett offers to improve his chance at making the roster is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Sure, Starks does that well, but with a career-high five fumbles in 2015, Starks has to prove he can protect the football.</p>
<p>In the meantime, there's always Crockett, who has been ready and waiting for his chance. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/green-and-bold" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green and Bold</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/packer-offense/running-backs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Running backs</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12336" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/john-crockett" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">John Crockett</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/packers-running-backs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers running backs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/green-bay-packers-training-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers training camp</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div>Wed, 29 Jun 2016 11:00:00 +0000mnbruton1083391 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/green-and-bold-dont-sleep-on-john-crockett#commentsRailbird Central Podcast: James Starks' Rolehttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/railbird-central-podcast-james-starks-role
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><strong>Episode 641</strong></p>
<p>Now that James Starks has agreed to a deal with the Green Bay Packers, we bring on <a href="http://twitter.com/buzzboy3">Scott McKenna</a> of the <a href="http://talkins-mac.blogspot.com/">Talkin' S-Mac blog</a> to discuss Starks' role in 2016 and how he fits into the Packers plans. After a discussion of the running back, we also get into the tight end position, the visit by free agent Jared Cook and where the Packers go from here.</p>
<p>Enjoy...</p>
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/cheesehead-tv/packers-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers News</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/players/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/shows/packer-fan-podcasts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packer Fan Podcasts</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/shows/railbird-central" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Railbird Central</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12336" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/packers-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers news</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/railbird-central" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Railbird Central</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/packers-podcast" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers podcast</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/scott-mckenna" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Scott McKenna</a></div></div></div>Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:46:28 +0000Brian Carriveau788079 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/railbird-central-podcast-james-starks-role#commentsPackers Reportedly Bringing Back James Starkshttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-reportedly-bringing-back-james-starks
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img src="http://d1s25m6npd4nen.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/post/2016/03/usatsi_9030921.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" />From ESPN's Adam Caplan:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Packers?src=hash">#Packers</a> and RB James Starks have agreed to terms on a contract, per source.</p>
<p> — Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) <a href="https://twitter.com/caplannfl/status/710809791216689152">March 18, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>Starks had <a href="http://www.patriots.com/news/2016/03/10/report-pats-visit-rb-james-starks-te-clay-harbor">visited the New England Patriots</a> last week prior to the <a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/patriots/the_blitz/2016/03/source_patriots_sign_donald_brown">Pats signing Donald Brown</a>.</p>
<p>The Packers bring back a running back who became an important part of their offense in 2015 after Eddie Lacy's well-documented struggles.</p>
<p>Starks rushed for 601 yards on 148 attempts for a 4.1 yard average per attempt last year and scored two rushing touchdowns, adding 392 yards receiving and three touchdowns through the air. </p>
<p>Most importantly, Starks really improved in pass protection last year. Pass pro had been a major weak spot in his game, but his improvement in 2015 was striking. The major blemish on his 2015 resume were the number of times he put the ball on the ground, a career-high five times. There were at least three other near-fumbles throughout the year as well. </p>
<p>Overall, the Packers get back a player they are very familiar with who knows their offense and who is much more valuable in Green Bay than anywhere else in the league. </p>
<p>No word yet on financial details of the contract Starks has agreed to, but Spoon has the length of the deal.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr" xml:lang="en">The deal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Packers?src=hash">#Packers</a> RB James Starks agreed to is for two years.</p>
<p>— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSilverstein/status/710827291098484736">March 18, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/1265-lombardi-ave" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1265 Lombardi Ave</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/1265-lombardi-ave/ted-thompson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ted Thompson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/cheesehead-tv/packers-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers News</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">green bay packers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/packers-free-agency" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers free agency</a></div></div></div>Fri, 18 Mar 2016 13:00:33 +0000packeraaron787509 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-reportedly-bringing-back-james-starks#commentsCory's Corner: Packers must sign James Starkshttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/corys-corner-packers-must-sign-james-starks
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://d1s25m6npd4nen.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/post/2016/02/usatsi_9050544_168380931_lowres.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" /></p>
<p>Thirty years old is considered the Line of Demarcation for NFL running backs.</p>
<p>James Starks recently turned 30 and is an unrestricted free agent. So, you’d guess that the Packers should play the percentages and let him go.</p>
<p>Well, you’d be wrong.</p>
<p>When Eddie Lacy was struggling with an ever-increasing waistline, injury and assertiveness issues, it was Starks that kept the running game afloat. And that’s why the Packers must reward him with, and perhaps his last, contract. </p>
<p>Starks has done everything the Packers have asked out of a running back — aside from coughing it up four times last year. He has gotten better as a pass catcher and his downhill running style was on full display when he rushed for 70 yards three times.</p>
<p>Sure Starks will be entering his seventh season. And it’s probably going to cost the Packers a two-year deal to keep the most underrated running back in the league around.</p>
<p>But if anyone can get to Lacy, it’s Starks. Lacy has said that he needs to lose about 30, and I know that teammates like Starks will be there with encouragement and strong words to keep Lacy on the straight and narrow. </p>
<p>Starks has won a Super Bowl in his rookie season, but he remains hungry because he was hardly a factor. He injured his hamstring that season and his injuries have really added up.</p>
<p>But the Packers have to sign him. He can be the face of accountability for the entire squad of running backs. If the Packers need someone to catch a screen pass on third down, Starks can do it. If the Packers need him to stay back and block for Aaron Rodgers, he doesn’t balk and he goes out and does it.</p>
<p>Starks knows that he’s in the twilight of his career and is close to signing the third contract of his career. He’s going to want some security.</p>
<p>Starks is a perfect addition because of his generous mix of power and speed. In today’s NFL world, injured running backs turn into fossils. It’s hard for them to not only to overcome an injury — which is hard enough — but he has powered through many injuries.</p>
<p>Starks isn’t sexy, nor will many NFL teams be banging down his door. But the running game was one of two reasons (next to the offensive line) why the offense was derailed last year.</p>
<p>Rodgers still needs a semblance of a running game, because without one, he’s going to get abused. Starks led the Packers in the number of 20-plus yard games with four last season.</p>
<p>Starks could’ve complained. He could’ve pouted and turned into a locker room cancer when Lacy couldn’t get his engine out of idle.</p>
<p>But he didn’t. And it’s that reason that the Packers should bring him back.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/1265-lombardi-ave/ted-thompson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ted Thompson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/packer-offense/offense" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Offense</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/packer-offense/running-backs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Running backs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/players/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/players/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12336" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">green bay packers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div></div></div>Tue, 01 Mar 2016 12:07:55 +0000Cory Jennerjohn739715 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/corys-corner-packers-must-sign-james-starks#commentsJames Starks: 2015 Packers Player Report Cardhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/james-starks-2015-packers-player-report-card-0
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><strong><img alt="" src="http://d1s25m6npd4nen.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/james_starks_headshot.png" style="width: 200px; height: 200px; float: right;" />James Starks</strong></p>
<ul><li>
<strong>Age: </strong>29</li>
<li>
<strong>Ht./Wt:</strong> 6'2", 218lbs</li>
<li>
<strong>College:</strong> Buffalo</li>
<li>
<strong>NFL Experience:</strong> 6 years</li>
</ul><p><a href="http://www.packers.com/team/roster/james-starks/a52b27c4-0792-4dd1-be0d-2d0dcd8b69bc/" target="_blank" title="James Starks">View Career Stats and more</a> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Expectations coming into the season: </strong>Starks was expected to have a complimentary role at best and a "break glass in case of emergency" role at worst if something went drastically wrong with Eddie Lacy. At most. Starks was expected to field his usual average of 70-80 carries. In the event of an injury, the expectation was that Starks would split the carries with another back.</p>
<p><strong>Player’s highlights/low-lights: </strong>During the Week 6 game against the San Diego Chargers, Starks entered the game to give a banged up Lacy a breather and then was so effective he stayed in. Totaling 112 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries and adding a 5-yard touchdown catch, Starks was integral to the Packers 27-20 victory and his 65-yard touchdown run was a beautiful play. On the play, Starks moved to take an inside lane but found the hole closed. Instead, he bounced the run outside and headed towards the sideline and away from the defenders around the line of scrimmage. As Starks approached the sideline he kicked in the afterburners and while he isn't often winning any foot races, he was plenty fast to make the end zone in this instance.</p>
<p>There were many low points this season for Starks though, among them getting the start for a benched Lacy against Detroit and being held to 14 yards on nine carries, a fumble against Oakland in Week 15 which had him benched for most of the game. In fact, he fumbled the ball five times (losing three), both career worsts.</p>
<p><strong>Level of Expectations met: </strong>In so far as playing a fill in role, Starks was adequate, though far from spectacular. He is able to gain yards if a hole is there but doesn't have as much luck creating his own yards and is too often stopped when he meets resistance at or behind the line of scrimmage. When filling in for Lacy full time (either due to injury or benching), Starks was inconsistent. He was generally asked to carry a bigger load and didn't share much in those rare instances and that perhaps was too much to ask of him. If nothing else, this season proved that while he is a solid alternative to give the main back a breather, he's not full-time material.</p>
<p>Grade: C</p>
<p><strong>Player’s contributions to team success: </strong>While Starks can fill in on occasion, he's a far more limited back than Eddie Lacy (when Lacy is playing well). His ceiling is much lower than Lacy's and so in general his impact was minimal. There were times, such as Week 6, when he was an important piece of the win, but more often than not Starks had minimal impact.</p>
<p>Grade: C</p>
<p><strong>Player’s contributions in the playoffs: </strong>Starks had a solid game against Washington in the first round of the playoffs, scoring a touchdown and averaging 4.4 yards per carry on his dozen carries, but he was largely a non-factor in the loss to the Arizona Cardinals. </p>
<p>Grade: C</p>
<p><strong>Intangibles/misc: </strong>Starks doesn't come across as anything special from a locker-room or a teammate point of view, and he seems anxious to prove his worth elsewhere. While he has said he might take on any role for another shot at a ring, he also firmly believes he can do more if given the opportunity. There's a good chance he's gone next season, though with a thick free agency class of running backs, the almost-30 year old might find starting gigs scarce.</p>
<p>Grade: C</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>
<strong>Overall Grade: C</strong></h3>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/packers-grades" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers Grades</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/packers-report-cards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers Report Cards</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12336" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/2015-packers-player-report-cards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">2015 Packers Player Report Cards</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/2015-packers-grades" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">2015 Packers Grades</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div>Thu, 11 Feb 2016 18:00:00 +0000andrewgarda636331 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/james-starks-2015-packers-player-report-card-0#commentsCory's Corner: Just who are these Packers? http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/corys-corner-just-who-are-these-packers
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img src="http://d1s25m6npd4nen.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/post/2015/12/usatsi_8931661_168380931_lowres.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" /></p>
<p>This season has been anything but predictable for the Packers.</p>
<p>Green Bay started out hot with a shiny 6-0 record, then lost four of five and needed a Hail Mary to eek out a win at Detroit.</p>
<p>Now this team reaches its final quarter of the season, and offensively they’re still trying to figure out who they are.</p>
<p>“This year as opposed to other years, we’re continuing to work through our identity throughout the year,” said Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. A lot of that unfortunately is due to a key player in the preseason.”</p>
<p>Through 12 games last year, Rodgers had 32 touchdown passes and amassed six 300-yard passing games. During this roller-coaster year, Rodgers has thrown 26 touchdowns and has three 300-yard games and five games with fewer than 225 yards.</p>
<p>At Detroit over a week ago, the most consistent pass play was a screen pass to James Starks. James Jones, who racked up six touchdowns following Week 6, was making a case for the Pro Bowl. He’s only caught one touchdown since either because of injury or because he simply cannot get open.</p>
<p>“If you look at the last six or seven games for us, we’ve had a lot of really good halves,” Rodgers said. “Not full games.”</p>
<p>That’s true, but the Packers still find themselves on the top line in the NFC North. No matter how confused and clueless this team has looked at times, they can still flip the switch and make a postseason run.</p>
<p>And it all starts with the running game. Once the calendar turns to December in the Midwest, nasty weather looms. Even though El Niño has turned much of the country this year from snowy white into fairway green, this month is still critical to running the football.</p>
<p>Eddie Lacy knows all about inconsistency. In seven of 12 games, he has tallied less than 50 yards on the ground. He has rushed for back-to-back 100-yard games, but then followed that up by missing curfew and only getting five carries.</p>
<p>“He’s a tough guy to tackle,” said Rodgers about Lacy. “He’s a bowling ball out there. He’s a smart guy. He’s a good runner. He’s a very good runner for a guy his size. But you need multiple guys.”</p>
<p>While Lacy has been inconsistent, Starks hasn’t been much better. However, John Crockett brings a nice shiftiness that complements both Lacy and Starks. Crockett will never be a featured back in this league, but he can run by a defense that had been used to absorbing blows from Lacy all game.</p>
<p>Before Jordy Nelson’s devastating injury this past August, people expected the Packers to move the football easily and score 30 points a game for the second straight year.</p>
<p>“We’ve been trying to find that balance on offense and guys to pick up the slack,” said Rodgers. “We’ve had a lot of injuries at our skill positions that has made it tough to get that get that consistency every week.”</p>
<p>That means getting some health on the offensive line, getting more than one sack from the defensive front seven in the last two games and having receivers that can create more separation.</p>
<p>“I’ve never lost confidence in this locker room,” said Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb, who leads the team with 92 targets. “We all believe in each other. We all continue to fight and we’ll be ready.”</p>
<p>The question is, how ready?</p>
<p>With the final chapter of the season upon us, we’re left trying to figure out who these guys are. A team with unfixable problems or a team that’s lying in the weeds for a surprise January run? </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/players/aaron-rodgers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Aaron Rodgers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/players/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/players/james-jones" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Jones</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/players/randall-cobb" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Randall Cobb</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12300" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12336" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">green bay packers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/aaron-rodgers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Aaron Rodgers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/james-jones" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Jones</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/randall-cobb" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Randall Cobb</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/john-crockett" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">John Crockett</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div>Sat, 12 Dec 2015 12:05:32 +0000Cory Jennerjohn585149 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/corys-corner-just-who-are-these-packers#commentsPackers Eddie Lacy One of Season’s Biggest Disappointmentshttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-eddie-lacy-one-of-seasons-biggest-disappointments
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><strong>Wanted:</strong> One extra-large doghouse. Must be able to house an overweight, fumble prone and undisciplined running back. Contact Green Bay Packers ASAP.</p>
<p>It may not literally be quite that bad at 1265 Lombardi Avenue, but figuratively it is coming close.</p>
<p>With the afterglow of an amazing and perhaps season-saving victory at Detroit on Thursday night comes the reality that within the Green Bay Packers organization there is much work yet to be done. The 6<sup>th</sup> ranked scoring defense (19.8 PPG) suffered a disappointing first quarter but came back strong enough to secure a victory. The banged-up offense, and specifically Aaron Rodgers, did just enough to win. But huge blemishes remain to be fixed and time is running out.</p>
<p>It isn’t enough that the Green Bay Packers passing game has been in shambles for most of the season. Now the Packers running back situation has become muddled and more questions than answers remain for Mike McCarthy’s coaching staff.</p>
<p>Eddie Lacy, who previously turned in two consecutive 100 yard rushing performances against the Bears and Lions, was not the starter on Thursday night. James Starks once again assumed that role. Multiple sources reported that Lacy and fellow running back Alonzo Harris missed a 9 PM curfew. The fallout from their actions resulted in Harris being cut and fellow rookie and practice squad player John Crocket signed. Lacy was initially benched and played only 19 total snaps resulting in dismal numbers – 5 attempts for 4 yards and one reception for -3 yards.</p>
<p>Surprisingly Crockett signed his contract only three hours before game time and played meaningful snaps. He ran the ball 5 times for 22 yards – a 4.4 yards per attempt average. Crockett who was known as “The Taz” at North Dakota State (after the Tasmanian Devil due to his non-stop movement where he ran for 4,309 yards and 41 touchdowns) started the second half while playing in his first regular-season game. Those around him spoke of his infectious energy. The 6’ 217# Crocket provided a spark and enthusiasm that the Packers running game has been lacking most of this season.</p>
<p>"I wouldn't necessarily say it was on me, but I'm emotional," Crockett was quoted after the game referring to the energy he brings. "I want to be energetic all the time. It's having that energy about myself, hopefully that helps guys out a little bit."</p>
<p>That brings us back to Lacy who at the present time seems to embody the opposite demeanor from Crocket.</p>
<p>The Packers cut Harris but have too much invested in Lacy who has demonstrated in the past that he can be productive. So what has happened to Lacy, a former offensive rookie of the year in 2013, and what can be done to get him back on track?</p>
<p>It may be too late to do anything meaningful this season, but it certainly appears that Lacy is much larger than his listed 234 lbs. He may be carrying too much weight to be productive for more than just occasional spurts. Rumors persist that Lacy tips the scales at +250. It doesn’t help that Lacy suffers from asthma which can be a huge obstacle to overcome for an athlete who may not be in top physical shape.</p>
<p>Ankle and groin issues have also lingered and contributed to a lack of production that may or may not be weight related.</p>
<p>His running style this season also seems to have changed. Lacy is running more upright and lacking that plant-and cut style he was known for in college and his first two seasons in Green Bay. Also his patented spin-move was almost totally missing until brief displays during the Lions and Bears games. Those are things that can be corrected with coaching yet this season.</p>
<p>Punctuated by his curfew violation are lingering reports that his pre-game preparation is lacking and contributing to a sloppy running style and poor ball security. All very troubling aspects for a coaching staff that desperately needs Lacy to spark the running game.</p>
<p>Perhaps looking for an alternative plan should Lacy fail to improve, the Packers worked out former standout Wisconsin running back Montee Ball on Friday. Ball was chosen number 58 by the Denver Broncos in the 2013 NFL draft, three spots ahead of Lacy. He saw action in 16 games his rookie year and averaged an impressive 4.7 yards per carry (120 attempts for 559 yards), but he slipped noticeably in 2014 and was released Sept. 6 of this year. Surprisingly the young running back has failed to draw significant interest from any NFL team. He was not immediately signed by the Packers.</p>
<p>Eddie Lacy is is regarded by most to be a 'good guy'. Quiet and humble he is not known to be a trouble-maker. Yet something is wrong with Lacy this year and most of his issues will have to rest upon his own broad shoulders.</p>
<p>Redemption for Eddie Lacy will have to come swiftly. Only four games remain in the regular season. If there is to be a post-season run for the Green Bay Packers their offense will have to perform significantly better. There may be no easy fixes but finding solutions to Lacy's woes is a must. His leash will be shortened but not the expectations. </p>
<p>Hard work and a total re-commitment to his craft would be a solid start. If not, that extra large dog house may be getting a lot more use.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/nfl/detroit-lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Detroit Lions</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/players/aaron-rodgers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Aaron Rodgers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/players/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12335" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Detroit Lions</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12300" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12336" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12313" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">NFC North</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">green bay packers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/john-crockett" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">John Crockett</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/detroit-lions" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Detroit Lions</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/aaron-rodgers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Aaron Rodgers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/mike-mccarthy-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mike McCarthy.</a></div></div></div>Sun, 06 Dec 2015 20:01:44 +0000pointerjeff581277 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/packers-eddie-lacy-one-of-seasons-biggest-disappointments#commentsCory's Corner: Aaron Rodgers is the problem and solutionhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/corys-corner-aaron-rodgers-is-the-problem-and-solution
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img src="http://d1s25m6npd4nen.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/post/2015/11/usatsi_8928816_168380931_lowres.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" /></p>
<p>You can understand losing at Denver and at Carolina.</p>
<p>Both are hard to swallow, but losing to a pair of division winners is lot easier to digest than folding to the dysfunctional Lions 18-16. The reason why it hurts so much is because the Lions tried on multiple occasions to give the game away.</p>
<p>“It's really nice to not play your best and win a game,” said Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, after recovering from the 23-year Lambeau Field wound. “We had communication errors, we had physical errors, we had all sorts of errors in all three phases.”</p>
<p>The reasons are innumerable why the Packers have gone from locks to compete in Super Bowl 50 to gasping for playoff breath.</p>
<p>James Starks broke zero tackles, Stafford was sacked zero times, Eddie Lacy was ruled inactive for Sunday’s game after being a full participant in practice all week and the normally reliable Mason Crosby kicked a ball that sailed through the air like a frisbee.</p>
<p>I’ve never seen a team fall so far so fast before. It’s hard to believe that this same Packers team blew out the Chiefs 38-28 on a Monday night in Week 3.</p>
<p>And it starts and ends with Aaron Rodgers. There’s no other way to slice it, he looked dreadful against one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL.</p>
<p>At a quick glance, it didn’t look quite so bad. He threw for 333 yards and a pair of scores. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a quarterback that is having a hard time completing the passes he was completing with ease a month ago.</p>
<p>But it’s not just the air-mailed and two-hop passes. It’s his indecision. Rodgers failed on multiple occasions to tuck the ball and run when he had at least 15-20 yards and a first down in front of him.</p>
<p>Rodgers has been playing tentative ever since he threw two picks vs. the Rams. Add in that his offensive line hasn’t really been doing a good job of getting in the way of anyone and Rodgers appears that he’s looking out for No. 12.</p>
<p>It’s actually a brain-busting dichotomy. The moment the Packers lose Rodgers is the moment the string of playoff appearances won’t see seven years in a row. However, at the same time, if Rodgers is timid about scampering for first downs and moving the chains, the Packers won’t win.</p>
<p>So this is where coach Mike McCarthy makes his money. Sitting guys Lacy are only cosmetic and don’t have any effect. And the excuse that Jordy Nelson is out, may have worked in Week 1, but that doesn’t fly anymore.</p>
<p>Rodgers’ footwork has been atrocious. He dances in the pocket, before losing track of where he is and finally throwing off his back foot. He has been able to make up for this in the past with his strong arm, but it’s more intensified now that he is thinking too much.</p>
<p>In the past, defenses would be shy away from blitzing Rodgers because he would carve up the pressure. However, now teams just body up the Packers’ receivers and Rodgers is left to hold the ball longer than usual. And when he makes it out of the pocket, he has been one of the most deadly passers in the league.</p>
<p>However, now that he has his tail between his legs when it comes to running, he is only limiting himself and his team.</p>
<p>The only way the Packers dig themselves out this quagmire is if Rodgers figures it out. This team was built for offense and now Rodgers has to prove why many think he’s the best quarterback in the league.</p>
<p>Aside from one herculean tight end, Tom Brady’s wideouts are pretty pedestrian. If Rodgers wants to be considered one of the best ever, it’s time for him to make his team better. He has to stop worrying about his health, confidence or wide receiver trust.</p>
<p>The only thing that matters now is wins. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/1265-lombardi-ave/coaches/mike-mccarthy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mike McCarthy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/packer-offense/offense" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Offense</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/packer-offense/quarterback-play" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Quarterback play</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/players/aaron-rodgers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Aaron Rodgers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/players/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/players/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12336" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">green bay packers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/aaron-rodgers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Aaron Rodgers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/matthew-stafford" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Matthew Stafford</a></div></div></div>Tue, 17 Nov 2015 12:11:50 +0000Cory Jennerjohn559564 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/corys-corner-aaron-rodgers-is-the-problem-and-solution#commentsCory's Corner: Starting James Starks doesn't matterhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/corys-corner-starting-james-starks-doesnt-matter
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img src="http://d1s25m6npd4nen.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/post/2015/11/usatsi_8843719_168380931_lowres.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" /></p>
<p>Mike McCarthy made his first big move of the year.</p>
<p>With the Packers’ season sliding off the tracks for two weeks, James Starks has been inserted as the starting running back for Sunday’s game with the toothless Lions.</p>
<p>But is this a ploy of deception by the Packers’ newly minted CEO?</p>
<p>It’s pretty easy to make a change when you take on a team that’s not only circling the drain, but has a 90-year-old in charge to fire its president and general manager.</p>
<p>How much fight will the Lions have now that they know that their coach Jim Caldwell is just waiting to get his pink slip? This team is easily one of the most dysfunctional teams in all of pro sports, so McCarthy is hedging his bets by starting a 29-year-old journeyman.</p>
<p>But does it really matter? McCarthy said that the team would continue its 1-2 running back punch. So Eddie Lacy could still out-carry Starks based on the situation. And if Lacy rolls up 80 yards on 12 carries, does that make him the starter the following week? Again, does it even matter?</p>
<p>This move by McCarthy is a motivational tactic disguised as coaching acumen. Let’s face it, Lacy has been a tremendous disappointment this year. In his first two years in the league, Lacy rushed for less than 50 yards in a game nine times. This year, he has totaled less than 50 in six of eight games. He has been slow, timid and unsure when he reaches the line of scrimmage.</p>
<p>Whether that’s from an ankle injury that occurred back in Week 2, swelling of weight or a combination of both is a real possibility.</p>
<p>Right now, the person that Lacy reminds me of is Jadeveon Clowney. The talented defensive end was a menace at the University of South Carolina. The hit he applied to Michigan running back Vincent Smith in the 2013 Outback Bowl was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENuZHnQlqX0">one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen</a>. However, Steve Spurrier, Clowney’s own coach, had a hard time expressing Clowney’s work ethic, saying at one point it was just “OK.” And now, you rarely hear anything about his pro career. </p>
<p>Lacy is the same way. He’s good at football and he knows he is talented. But does he love it? When you strip away all the perks of pro football, is Lacy still playing? In the preseason, Lacy was asked what he did in the offseason and a red light should’ve came on when he answered that he ate cereal.</p>
<p>You can easily get by in high school with superior talent. You can still get by at a major college with superior talent. However, superior talent isn’t going to be enough when it comes to the NFL. Everyone else on the field has superior talent, so to be better than the guy next to you, you’re going to have to do something else.</p>
<p>Whether that’s holing up in the video room and studying thousands of frames trying to get the smallest defensive tell just to get some daylight, or becoming a workout warrior and turning your body into a chiseled rock.</p>
<p>But McCarthy is sending a message to Lacy and the rest of the team. It doesn’t matter if you’re a second round pick, I don’t have a problem giving your job away.</p>
<p>If Lacy were actually going to remain on the bench, more players would raise their eyebrows and take notice.</p>
<p>But this move is all fluff and no substance. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/1265-lombardi-ave/coaches/mike-mccarthy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mike McCarthy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/featured" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/packer-offense/running-backs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Running backs</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/players/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/players/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-nfl-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">NFL Categories:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12300" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Featured</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12336" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Green Bay Packers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">green bay packers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/mike-mccarthy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mike McCarthy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/jadeveon-clowney" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Jadeveon Clowney</a></div></div></div>Sat, 14 Nov 2015 12:10:21 +0000Cory Jennerjohn556206 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/corys-corner-starting-james-starks-doesnt-matter#commentsNo More Ambiguity: McCarthy Names Starks "#1 Back" http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/no-more-ambiguity-mccarthy-names-starks-1-back
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img src="http://d1s25m6npd4nen.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/post/2015/11/usatsi_8917409.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" />It's been trending this way for some time, especially after the respective performances of Eddie Lacy and James Starks down in Carolina last Sunday, but today Mike McCarthy made things official.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en" xml:lang="en"><p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">McCarthy: I would say James (Starks) is our No. 1 back right now going into Detroit. He's earned that opportunity. We'll stay w/ 1-2 punch.</p>
<p> — Green Bay Packers (@packers) <a href="https://twitter.com/packers/status/664485107475087364">November 11, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>This comes as no surprise, given Lacy's struggles so far in 2015. Starks has far and away looked to be the better back so far this year.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-post-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Filed Under:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/1265-lombardi-ave" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1265 Lombardi Ave</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/1265-lombardi-ave/coaches/mike-mccarthy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mike McCarthy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/cheesehead-tv/packers-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers News</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/packer-offense" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packer Offense</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/packer-offense/running-backs" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Running backs</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/category/players/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/category/players/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/james-starks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">James Starks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/eddie-lacy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Eddie Lacy</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/packers-running-backs-packers-starting-running-back" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Packers running backs. Packers starting running back</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tag/green-bay-packers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">green bay packers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tag/mike-mccarthy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mike McCarthy</a></div></div></div>Wed, 11 Nov 2015 17:53:03 +0000packeraaron553376 at http://cheeseheadtv.comhttp://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/no-more-ambiguity-mccarthy-names-starks-1-back#comments